Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 11

The Indian Navy has deployed INS Sumedha, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, for patrolling of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Maldives. The vessel will undertake joint surveillance of the Maldives EEZ from May 9 to May 17 as part of the Indian Navy’s ‘mission-based deployments’.The ship on Friday undertook an Operational Turnaround at Male port, during which the Navy personnel would interact and impart training to Maldives’ National Defence Forces (MNDF) personnel. INS Sumedha would embark MNDF personnel onboard and undertake joint EEZ surveillance of the Maldives from May 12 to 15 May.The joint EEZ surveillance of the Maldives is an endeavour of the Indian government and the Indian Navy to ensure the safety and security of the vast EEZ of the island nation.In February, the Maldives declined an invitation to join the MILAN series of multilateral exercises hosted by India in Andaman and Nicobar islands. Male declined it citing Emergency at home. MILAN is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by the Indian Navy. It began in 1995.Two officers and eight sailors of the Navy’s Marine Commando cadre are currently conducting the second Asymmetric Warfare Training Exercise ‘Ekatha 2018’ at the Maldives.